River State First Hospital, VVIP ward.
Gem Atkinson was gently cradling Audrey and walking around delicately.
The normally lively and active child was now laying listlessly in Gem's arms, her eyes closed, devoid of any energy.
Gem's heart ached tremendously, this was the first time he had seen his little treasure so weak.
As he cradled Audrey and paced about, he occasionally used his cheek to test the temperature of her forehead. It seemed to have fallen quite a bit from before.
By the time Forsythia Brown arrived at the hospital, it was already 12 midnight.
Thinking that Gem and Audrey were asleep, she opened the door very carefully. But after opening the door, she found Gem walking around with Audrey in his arms, Audrey seemed to be asleep.
"Why don't you..."
With a "shush" sound, Gem motioned for Forsythia to be quiet.
Forsythia nodded repeatedly to show she understood, then whispered: "If she's fallen asleep, put her on the bed. You must be tired too."
